Romanian Government in Turmoil as PM Resigns Following Nationalist Election Victory

The Romanian political landscape is shifting dramatically as Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu steps down and his Social Democrat party departs the coalition government, following a significant electoral triumph for right-wing nationalist George Simion.

In a surprising turn of events, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced his resignation on Monday, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. His departure comes shortly after right-wing nationalist George Simion clinched a formidable 40.9% in the first round of the presidential elections. Simion, who leads a eurosceptic agenda that prioritizes national interests, is anticipated to secure a win in the upcoming run-off scheduled for May 18.

During a meeting with party supporters, Ciolacu indicated that the coalition government has failed to achieve its objectives and lacks credibility following Simion's electoral success. “I will propose that PSD leaves this coalition,” he stated. The Social Democrats had only recently taken power amid a pro-European Union coalition formed after the elections on December 1, 2024.

The rise of Simion and his far-right party, which attracted considerable support, has been fueled by widespread public dissatisfaction after the annulment of the previous presidential elections in late 2022. His ascent to power is being closely monitored by European leaders and allies, particularly in Kyiv, worried about his declarations emphasizing a preference for an EU of strong, sovereign nations.

Following Ciolacu's resignation, the interim president Ilie Bolojan is expected to appoint a caretaker prime minister. Bolojan, who assumed the presidency in February after the controversy surrounding the annulment of presidential elections, will play a crucial role in stabilizing the political climate in Romania amid this new upheaval.